I once spent a winter in Tokyo. I say winter, because I couldn't possibly stay a summer there, too. It's far too hot for me. Yeah, I could stay inside all day, but I'd have to come out sometime. Ninety degree heat plus humidity is enough to make me pass out.

There, in Tokyo, I had to learn Japanese. Before I went, I thought that most people would know at least a little English because it's such a popular language, however, that wasn't the case. Not at all.

At first, I was really agitated. I just waned to live there for a little while, see what it was all about, then leave. Hell, the only reason why I went was because I pissed off the wrong guy in the Mexican cartel and had to get the fuck out of dodge. A language barrier was honestly the last fucking thing I needed right then, but I digress.

Within a few weeks of listening and communicating what I could, I learned the sentence structure. It was kinda... backwards from English. How do I explain? It was like the predicate came before the other parts. Some words didn't even have a clear translation. It was like how we have words for objects, they have words for feelings. It was weird, but interesting nonetheless.

I think what really kept me going was the people. Not even the people; the setting as a whole. Every aspect of the city. It was the nightlife. The neon that emitted colorful light into the contrasting dark light. It was the hustle and bustle of the people going to work in the morning. All those were so... addictive. For once, it made me feel alive in such a dead world.

With that being said, the whole ensemble really encouraged me to learn the language a lot faster. Every chance I had, I listened as hard as I could and applied what I could to the conversation. It was like putting together a puzzle I didn't have all the pieces to. At times, I admit, it was very frustrating and I almost left once or twice, but I persevered. It was for the better, because it made me appreciate the whole thing even more.

I was able to stay for the early part of spring. What I mean is: I got to stay for the first sakura blooms. It was a long time coming because the winter had been very harsh. As soon as the snow started melting, people's spirits started getting higher. Even in the gambling rooms, the stakes were getting risky. It was all so happy.

By the end of my stay, I had become quite fluent. My vocabulary had grown so much since my arrival. I became so accustomed to the beautiful city and it's culture. There, I even learned how to play sakuda. I'd love to go back..

..Perhaps in another life...